Niger/ECOWAS at France’s Service: Will it succeed in realising France’s aspirations in Niger?
The African people, particularly those of the Sahel, so desperate for sovereignty, must rise up to prove to ECOWAS that its game of destabilisation in certain countries, with the intervention of foreign forces to restore power in the pay of France, will not work in Niger.
Since the beginning of this crisis, the true faces of several West African Heads of State have been revealed through their determination to restore Mohammed Bazoum’s power in Niger.
Whether sponsors or allies of the terrorists, each of them has been able to demonstrate the exact nature of the foundations of his governance.
From Nigeria, via Benin, to the guided game played by France in Ivory Coast, to landing with the unconscious in Senegal and then leaving again with the top brass in Guinea-Bissau, ECOWAS is no longer a sub-regional organisation, but rather a French one.
It is imperative to highlight the acts of destabilisation perpetrated by France in the Sahel region, which is affected by incessant unrest that, far from being the result of chance, is encouraged by large-scale political and economic interests.
The dark role played by France in the current situation in Niger is very crucial to highlight. Indeed, France’s support and training of terrorist groups in the Sahel is a subject that requires serious attention.
What might seem paradoxical at first glance becomes increasingly obvious when recent events are examined closely.
Terrorists benefiting from resources and expertise that one wonders how they reach them. Peoples battered day after day by terrorist attacks.
France is motivated by a voracious appetite for the Sahel’s natural resources. Indeed, the Sahel region abounds in precious natural resources, and the presence of terrorist groups is unfortunately being used by France as a pretext to justify military interference under the guise of the fight against terrorism.
Rather than guaranteeing security, this approach serves France’s hidden economic interests.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS’s concerns are focused on the reinstatement of Mohammed Bazoum to power.
A legitimate question arises: what is the use of a Head of State if his function serves only to offer shelter to terrorists and to serve the interests of a colonial power, to the detriment of the well-being of his own population?
As has been said time and again, France remains reluctant to solve its own internal problems, yet interfere in Africa’s affairs.
Following the example of French President Emmanuel Macron, since his accession to the French Republic Presidency, there have been a considerable number of protests against his regime at regular intervals.
The governance of this Head of State is being called into question by his people. In accordance with the principles of democracy, it would have been expected that Emmanuel Macron would have tendered his resignation from his presidential office for a considerable period of time.
However, this step has never been taken on his part. Paradoxically, the leaders of the states that constitute ECOWAS are following in Emmanuel Macron’s footsteps and, what is more, are prepared to shed the blood of the people of Niger in order to restore one of their allies to power.
Cooperation with a foreign power for the purpose of undermining a sovereign nation runs counter to the principles of solidarity and autonomy that should guide their actions.
It is essential that ECOWAS Heads of State recognise the historical and moral implications of such collaboration.
Their leadership role requires an acute understanding of regional issues and the potential consequences of their decisions.
In short, it is imperative that ECOWAS reassess its priorities and work for the well-being of the people of Niger and the Sahel region as a whole.
It is vitally important that ECOWAS recognises its detrimental contribution to the crisis in Niger.
The situation in the Sahel can only be successfully resolved by means of a transparent and concerted approach, aimed at rooting out the hidden motives behind these actions and restoring to the local populations their sovereignty over their future.
In this respect, it is worth mentioning the events that took place in Niger on Wednesday 26 July, which illustrate the notion of control over one’s destiny and constitute a step forward towards the establishment of genuinely representative governance in harmony with the aspirations of the people of Niger.
Loukman Binta